Classroom of the Future
First year teacher Katy Goldman believes that children learn best “when given the opportunity to taste, feel, see, hear, manipulate, discover, sing and dance their way through learning”(Education Oasis, n.d.).
Introduction
Classroom management is a combination of actions that teachers implement to create an environment that supports and facilitates both academic and social–emotional learning (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010, p. 354). The following paragraphs will discuss the main topics concerning classroom management. It will also examine the work of B.F. Skinner, who along with other theorists laid the groundwork for contemporary classroom management. Technology is becoming a noticeable part of children’s lives in today’s society, from classroom settings to home use, computers are now a part of how children learn, play and communicate ( University of Maryland, n.d.). This paper will verify what it takes to be an effective teacher in the year 2010 and beyond.
The theoretical contributions of B.F. Skinner
Burrhus Frederic Skinner was born March 1904 and is respected as the world’s greatest behavioural psychologist of all time (Reference Publications, n.d.). He provided the foundational work for classroom management theory and his ideas continue to influence classroom management. He believed the overall procedure of shaping student behaviour was intentionally through reinforcement. This procedure is still a main part of teachers discipline systems, especially at the primary grade level. Constant reinforcement to students every time they perform a desired act, helps their new learning’s to become established (Reference Publications, n.d.). An example could be that a teacher praises her students every time they finish their homework. B.F. Skinner also believed that intermittent reinforcement, in which rewards are given on occasions, is adequate to maintain desired behaviour once it has become established. An example would be after students have learned to come straight into class once recess is over and start work immediately, the teacher will express appreciation, though only occasionally. Student behaviours that are not reinforced soon disappear or, as Skinner said, become extinguished (McNair, n.d.). If a student raises his hand in class but is never called upon, he will sooner or later stop raising his hand. Skinner believed punishment in classrooms is an unsuccessful way to discipline students, as it often has negative effects in behaviour modification. He also thought punishment could not extinguish inappropriate behaviour (McNair, n.d.). According to Skinner, students who are praised for good behaviour will continue to demonstrate positive behaviour. Skinner's theories about behaviour modification are still used today, to speed and shape academic and social-learning; his principles of reinforcement are applied in classrooms everywhere. To be effective, reinforcement should be appropriate and immediate. Providing a classroom with effective management enables effective teaching to take place.
Effective Teaching
“Since teachers are the most valuable resource available to schools, an investment in teacher professionalism is vital by ensuring that they are equipped with an evidence-based repertoire of pedagogical skills that are effective in meeting the developmental and learning needs of ALL students” (ACER, 2006). Developing effective teaching skills involves practice, metacognition and continual self development, modifying and improving techniques over time. Characteristics include enthusiasm, effective classroom management, challenging lesson designs while having high expectations and building encouraging rapport with all learners. Successful teachers exhibit enthusiasm in the classroom, encouraging student engagement and creating interest in class discussions and activities. An effective teacher establishes positive relationships with students’ parents.
Communicating with Parents
Parents are a child's first and best teacher and they always want the best for their child. As a teacher, you are part of this team, helping to educate their children to the best of your ability. Strategies for involving parents should go beyond traditional, once a year parent teacher conferences and may include the following (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010, p. 367).
Set up a homework/classroom website on the internet so both parents and students can have access. Schedule a time where you make yourself available to help both parents and students;
- Begin a weekly newsletter to inform parents about learning events in the classroom;
- Invite parents into the classroom;
- Call parents with good news about a child’s progress.
(Education Oasis, n.d.).
Effective teachers accept the significant role that parents play in students’ lives. A positive relationship between the teacher and parent is beneficial to the student’s education and will assist in creating a positive classroom environment. "Students' home environments can have a powerful effect on both learning and classroom management..." (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010, p. 367).
Establishing a Positive Classroom Environment
An important factor in being a successful classroom teacher lies in establishing a positive classroom environment. Teachers need to put emphasis on a classroom setting characterised by positive communications, warmth and support. One that would be likely to enable productive, enjoyable activities to occur. It is important that not only the teacher provides a positive classroom but the whole school environment should focus on having a positive outlook. An atmosphere of trust needs to be developed for students to feel comfortable when discussing feelings and personal experiences. “Teachers can foster a safe climate by ensuring that they never ridicule a student’s questions or remarks it only takes one or two instances of a stupid comment to discourage participation” (NSW Department of Education and Training, 2009). For more on creating a positive classroom environment, see this link.
Technology
Technology is becoming a visible part of student’s lives. Computers play such an important part in children’s lives, even those young enough to attend pre-school are using them; "...the new Net Generation of students considers that computers and the related technology is their natural landscape." (Tapscott, 2007, as cited in Marsh, 2008, p. 66). It is important in today’s society that all educators keep up with technology to ensure their students are not being left behind. Technology is now a key concept to education and will continue to play an important role in classrooms, so it is essential that all teachers are learning the skills and basics to provide the right education. However, with this new technology, comes the threat of bullying.
Bullying
Bullying is abusive behaviour by one or more students against a victim or victims (Banks, R, n.d.). It can be a direct attack such as teasing, threatening, stalking, taunting, name-calling, hitting, making threats, coercion, and stealing. It also can be done in a more subtle way through malicious gossiping, spreading rumours, and intentional exclusion. Both result in victims becoming socially rejected and isolated. With new technologies entering the classroom, effective teachers in the future need to be aware of cyber-bullying. This form of bullying is on the increase by both boys and girls at schools, it can be done by e-mail, chat rooms or text-messaging (Banks, n.d.). Parents, the school and the community must work together to put a stop to it. To help ensure that all students learn in a safe and fear-free environment, a comprehensive intervention plan that involves students, parents and school staff should take place. This can include awareness campaigns, surveys on bullying, school climate where bullying is not tolerated, whole school policies, classroom rules, counselling, cooperated learning activities and increased supervision during lunch (Banks, n.d.). Bullying in schools should always be taken seriously by making sure the bullies take full responsibilities and have fair consequences for their actions. Effective teachers will have a discipline policy put in place to try to prevent such misbehaviour in schools.
Discipline
Discipline is about teaching children appropriate behaviour and helping them become independent and responsible people. A key part of growing up is learning how to deal with the results of one's actions (About.com, 2009). Student discipline is an important part of providing a conducive learning environment for everyone. Every student has the right to a learning environment free from bullying and intimidation and to feel safe and happy while at school. They have a right to be treated fairly and with dignity. The following link, Challenging Children is from Teachers TV, which examines how a Primary School in Vauxhall, South London, continually adapts and refines its system of assertive discipline in line with the particular demands of individual classes (Ross, 2005).
Classroom management is essential in becoming an effective teacher in the future. The years to come are sure to bring many changes for teachers to endure, such as new strategies and technology, and as a result, the teacher of the future should inspire to create a classroom that is managed efficiently and successfully. A classroom that allows the opportunity for quality learning. A classroom that exudes positiveness and encouragement. An effective teacher will maintain a classroom that encourages students to be the best they can be, now and in the future. "Effective teaching is teaching that maximises student learning." (Eggen & Kauchak, 2010, p. 390).
